Despite Ozaukee County being one of the wealthiest counties in the nation in per capital income, there are still many of our neighbors who are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. They have experienced job loss, unexpected medical bills or a rent increase they cannot afford.
According to information from the Ozaukee County Homelessness Prevention Program:
- 21.8 percent of those in our community are one emergency away from financial crisis.
- 1 in 4 female households with children are below the Federal Poverty Level.
- 1,280 households with income below $20,000 pay 30 percent of their income or more for rent.
- 43 students living in Ozaukee County were identified as living in the domestic abuse shelter or doubling up with other families.
- 25 county residents used shelter in other counties in the past year. All were singles and most were male (84 percent). Of those seeking shelter, 48 percent were between the ages of 18 and 24 and another 48 percent were between the ages of 35 and 64.
- 77 percent of the students identified were from 3 years of age to Grade 5 – suggesting that homelessness is more prevalent among younger families.
- There was a 79 percent increase in homelessness in Ozaukee County in the two years from 2011-12 to 2013-14.
- In 2015, The Homelessness Prevention Hotline received 153 calls – 34 percent of the callers received cash aid to prevent eviction, rent assistance or help with security deposits.
For information about how you can assist those needing help in Ozaukee County or if you are in need of assistance, please contact:
- Family Promise of Ozaukee – Lana Roever at 262-268-2723
- St. Vincent de Paul SFB – contact the parish office at 262-377-1070.
- St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store at 262-284-4637
- If you need assistance contact Advocates of Ozaukee (cases of domestic or sexual violence) at 262-284-3577.